Michael Pollan

The winter Olympics in Sochi are just three weeks away, and things are starting to fall into place — including a host of new events. Plus a new beer made from whale meal in Iceland and a bet that cost two men an ear in Siberia in today's Global Scan.

Plants have senses that put humans to shame. Not only do they hear (yes, it's true) and smell, they can also sense the presence of water, and even an object in their space. Now new research suggests that plants can actually learn and remember.

China may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about places that American organic farmers could learn from. American advocates of a safe and sustainable food chain learned a few things on their recent trip to organic farms near Beijing.

Plants have senses that put humans to shame. Not only do they hear (yes, it's true) and smell, they can also sense the presence of water, and even an object in their space. Now new research suggests that plants can actually learn and remember.

The winter Olympics in Sochi are just three weeks away, and things are starting to fall into place — including a host of new events. Plus a new beer made from whale meal in Iceland and a bet that cost two men an ear in Siberia in today's Global Scan.

China may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about places that American organic farmers could learn from. American advocates of a safe and sustainable food chain learned a few things on their recent trip to organic farms near Beijing.